Scleredema developing after SARS-CoV-2 infection: a possible novel skin manifestation of coronavirus disease.

Abstract

Scleredema is an uncommon sclerodermiform condition characterized by progressive thickening and hardening of the skin involving the neck, shoulders, proximal upper limbs and eventually the face. The diagnosis is based on the appearance of characteristic skin lesions and consistent histology [1]. Scleredema can be classified into three subtypes (see supplementary table 1) [1-6]. The scientific evidence regarding its treatment is scarce and therapeutic guidelines are mainly based on expert opinion [6]. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first case of a patient with scleredema that appeared subsequent to COVID-19. A 47-year-old man had a history of obesity, COVID-19 from which he had recovered, and hepatitis B and C. He had no diabetes mellitus. After a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test, the patient presented with dyspnoea and fever. Complementary tests ruled out pneumonia, and he was discharged from the hospital. One week later, the patient improved and COVID-19-related symptoms disappeared.